I had a popular brand of backpack in junior high school in the 90s. It was high-quality, but there is a bit of an allure to the branding beyond quality that is

I had a popular brand of backpack in junior high school in the 90s. It was high-quality, but there is a bit of an allure to the branding beyond quality that is best to realize is not a value in itself to pursue. It's not like I thought this when I was younger though, just something about it made me nervous when all these other kids were also sporting the same brand. I was almost robbed once of my bag (I ran away from them and got into my house before they can see me) because of this obsessive fad. While I still used it, it certainly can shape an outlook on branding and faddishness. I think the takeaway (if I were a parent conveying something) is that bullies are finding reasons to bully, because they are shallow. One should use things to support one's own values in the end - I'd say technical and social freedoms are more important than brand allegiances. Now though, I was also aggressively bullied as well, but I saw that bullies will just find anything to feel superior over someone else. I wouldn't know how to describe it - but there is greater things in life than access to particular program. I can understand though - how do you explain this a 12-year-old who is most likely living in our modern culture and must function in the light of others who are steeped in modern life's constant frivolities and distractions?